Home care system, center terminal and patient terminal

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a home care system in which a center terminal and a patient terminal are detachably connected to each other through communication lines, such as a public telephone line, an ISDN (integrated services digital network), a CATV (cable television), a radio and the like, and further to center terminals and patient terminals which constitute such a home care system. The patient terminal has an urgency transmitter device for transmitting a predetermined urgency code to the center terminal, and the center terminal comprises an urgency receiver device for receiving, while connected to a first patient terminal, the urgency code transmitted from a second patient terminal, and an urgency alarm device for informing of the fact that the urgency code has been received.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENT ION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a home care system in which acenter terminal and a patient terminal are detachably connected to eachother through communication lines, such as a public telephone line, anISDN (integrated services digital network), a CATV (cable television), aradio and the like, and further to center terminals and patientterminals which constitute such a home care system.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Recently, a home care service capable of practicing a care suchat a rehabilitation at home is noticed in view of the fact that nationalmedical expenses are reduced and patient's comfortability is advanced.And there is made such an attempt that patient's homes and a home carecenter such as a hospital and a door-to-door nurse station are connectedthrough visual communication lines such as a video telephone line and aCATV so that the patient's care is prosecuted through communicationsbetween the home care center and the patients.

[0005] However, according to the conventional attempt, the generalvisual communication terminals are appropriated without any changes, andthere are not almost considered a facility of the application of thehome care center, a facility of the use of the patient terminals and thelike. In order to push forward with the home care service utilizing thevisual communication terminals, there is a need to construct a home caresystem sufficiently taking into consideration such application of thehome care center, a facility of the use of the terminals and the like.

[0006] The conventional home care system involves, for example, thefollowing problems.

[0007] (1) In the home care system utilizing the general visualcommunication terminals, even when a call occurs in an emergency from apatient, it is impossible to grasp the state of the patient, if thecenter is “busy” on another line.

[0008] (2) In the home care system utilizing the general visualcommunication terminals, it is impossible to automatically access to thepatient terminal and to automatically upload data in the patientterminal.

[0009] (3) Hitherto, it is a current situation that newcomers learnmeasures in the care spot from a veteran public health nurse.Consequently, it would be difficult to efficiently educate competentpersons who are available in the spot.

[0010] (4) In the home care system utilizing the general visualcommunication terminals, if a patient's room is dark, it would bedifficult to clearly see the patient's expression. Further, in thepatient terminal, even if it is desired to record an instruction fromthe home care center, there is frequent such a case that a patient is aperson of advanced age or a patient is not familiar with the operationof the equipment, and thus it would be difficult for the patient toperform an operation for recording.

[0011] There are made some proposals to solve the above-mentionedproblems on the conventional home care system (refer to, for example,Japanese patent application serial No. 144093/1993 and Japanese patentapplication serial No. 336435/1993). However, there is not yet proposeda satisfactory means of solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is an object to provide a home caresystem taking into consideration the application of the system and afacility of the use of the terminals, and further center terminals andpatient terminals which constitute such a home care system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The first home care system according to the present invention,which attains the above-mentioned object, is characterized in that atleast one center terminal and patient terminals are disconnectablyconnected to each other via a communication line through whichcommunications of data including image data are performed,

[0014] wherein said patient terminal has urgency transmitting means fortransmitting a predetermined urgency code to said center terminal, and

[0015] wherein said center terminal comprises:

[0016] urgency receiving means for receiving, while connected to a firstpatient terminal, the urgency code transmitted from a second patientterminal; and

[0017] urgency alarm means for informing of the fact that the urgencycode has been received.

[0018] It is characterized in that the patient terminal in the firsthome care system has urgency transmitting means for transmitting apredetermined urgency code to the center terminal.

[0019] Further, it is characterized in that the center terminal in thefirst home care system comprises: urgency receiving means for receiving,while connected to a first patient terminal, the urgency codetransmitted from a second patient terminal; and urgency alarm means forinforming of the fact that the urgency code has been received.

[0020] While the urgency alarm means is to inform of the fact that theurgency code is received, typically through performing a predetermineddisplay on a display screen, it is acceptable to inform of receipt ofthe urgency code by means of informing means other than the display onthe screen, for example, a voice, turn on of the lamp, turning on andoff a flight or the like.

[0021] Further, in the first home care system according to the presentinvention, it is preferable that said urgency transmitting means andsaid urgency receiving means transmit and receive an address code toidentify the patient terminal together with a predetermined urgencycode, respectively, and

[0022] said urgency alarm means has a registration table in which thereare registered the address code of the patient and a name for specifyingthe patient registered in association with the patient terminal in acorresponding relation, patient identification means for referring tothe registration table to identify a name for specifying the patientassociated with the address code transmitted, and patient display meansfor displaying the name for specifying the patient, which is identifiedby said patient identification means.

[0023] In this aspect, it is characterized in that in the patientterminal said urgency transmitting means transmits an address code toidentify the patient terminal together with a predetermined urgencycode.

[0024] Further, in this aspect, it is characterized in that in thecenter terminal said urgency receiving means receives an address code toidentify the patient terminal together with a predetermined urgencycode, and said urgency alarm means has a registration table in whichthere are registered the address code of the patient and a name forspecifying the patient registered in association with the patientterminal in a corresponding relation, patient identification means forreferring to the registration table to identify a name for specifyingthe patient associated with the address code transmitted, and patientdisplay means for displaying the name for specifying the patient, whichis identified by said patient identification means.

[0025] While the term “address code” implies typically a telephonenumber, it is not restricted to the telephone number. The address codemay also imply a subscriber's number in a communication line whichcouples only the specified subscribers with each other, or an ID numberin a communication line involved in a rural network.

[0026] Further, while the t rm “name for specifying the patient” impliestypically the patient's name, it is not restricted to the patient'sname. Such name may also imply the patient‘ nickname, an ID number orthe like.

[0027] In the first home care system according to the present invention,it is an preferable aspect to arrange the system in such a manner thatsaid patient terminal has a predetermined urgency handler, and saidurgency transmitting means transmits to said center terminal, inresponse to an operation of said urgency handler, an urgency coderepresentative of the most urgent situation among a plurality of urgencycodes each representative of an associated urgency priority.

[0028] Further, in the first home care system according to the presentinvention, it is also an preferable aspect to arrange the system in sucha manner that said patient terminal has an urgency priority decidingmeans for deciding through a question an urgency priority of connectingsaid patient terminal with said center terminal, wherein said urgencytransmitting means and said urgency receiving means transmit and receivean urgency code according to the urgency priority decided by saidurgency priority deciding means, respectively, and wherein said urgencyalarm means informs of the urgency priority according to the receivedurgency code.

[0029] In this aspect, it is characterized in that said patient terminalhas an urgency priority deciding means for deciding through a questionan urgency priority of connecting said patient terminal with said centerterminal, and said urgency transmitting means transmits an urgency codeaccording to the urgency priority decided by said urgency prioritydeciding means.

[0030] Further, in this aspect, it is characterized in that in saidcenter terminal said urgency receiving means receives an urgency codeaccording to the urgency priority decided by said urgency prioritydeciding means, and said urgency alarm means informs of the urgencypriority according to the received urgency code.

[0031] In this case, it is preferable that said urgency transmittingmeans and said urgency receiving means transmit, and receive inquirydata representative of an inquiry result obtained through the question,respectively, and said urgency alarm means informs of the inquiry resultrepresented by the received inquiry data together with the urgencypriority.

[0032] Further, in the first home care system according to the presentinvention, it is preferable that said center terminal has aninterruption permission or inhibition instructing means for instructingas to whether or not said center terminal interrupts communications withthe first patient terminal to permit communications with the secondpatient terminal which transmits the urgency code. And it is alsopreferable that said center terminal has an another terminal connectingmeans for connecting the patient terminal transmitted the urgency codewith another center terminal.

[0033] This another terminal connecting means may be so designed toconnect the patient terminal of concern to another center terminalthrough an operation by an operator of the center terminal,alternatively to automatically connect the patient terminal of concernto another center terminal in accordance with the urgency priorityrepresented by the priority code, otherwise, independently of theurgency priority represented by the priority code.

[0034] The second home care system according to the present invention,which attains the above-mentioned object, is characterized in that atleast one center terminal and patient terminals are disconnectablyconnected to each other via a communication line through whichcommunications of data including image data are performed,

[0035] wherein said center terminal comprises:

[0036] a schedule table in which there are registered desired addresscodes among address codes each for identifying patients and desiredtimes and dates each for communication with the patient corresponding tothe associated address code;

[0037] schedule registration operating means for registering the addresscodes and the times and dates into said schedule table; and

[0038] line automatic connecting means for connecting a line with thepatient terminal associated with the address code corresponding to theregistered time and date, at the time and date registered in theschedule table.

[0039] In the second home care system according to the presentinvention, it is preferable that said patient terminal has a vital signsensor for measuring a vital sign, and a vital sign memory for storingthe vital sign measured by said vital sign sensor, and said centerterminal has a vital sign collection means for uploading the vital signstored in said vital sign memory provided in the patient terminal whichhas been connected with the center terminal by said line automaticconnecting means.

[0040] The vital sign sensor may be ones which serve to grasp a physicalcondition of the patient, and is not restricted to the specifiedsensors. Typically, the vital sign sensor implies a tonometer, anelectrocardiograph, a pulse measurement instrument, a clinicalthermometer and the like.

[0041] Further, in the second home care system according to the presentinvention, it is preferable that said schedule table registers theaddress codes and the time and date, and in addition a connecting timerequired since the line is connected with the patient terminalcorresponding to the associated address code at the registered time anddate up to disconnecting the line, and said schedule registrationoperating means serves to register in said schedule table the addresscodes and the times and dates, and the connecting time as well; and saidcenter terminal further comprises a time counting means for counting thetime required since said center terminal is connected with the patientterminal by said line automatic connecting means, and a display meansfor displaying a remaining time obtained through subtracting the timeelapsed measured by said time counting means from the connecting timeinvolved in the patient terminal connected by said line automaticconnecting means.

[0042] The third home care system according to the present invention,which attains the above-mentioned object, is characterized in that atleast one center terminal and patient terminals are disconnectablyconnected to each other via a communication line through whichcommunications of data including image data are performed,

[0043] wherein said center terminal comprises:

[0044] a home care procedure display means for displaying a procedurefor a home care of a patient.

[0045] In the third home care system according to the present invention,it is preferable that said center terminal has a care procedure alteringoperation means for altering the procedure for the home care of thepatient displayed on said home care procedure display means.

[0046] The fourth home care system according to the present invention,which attains the above-mentioned object, is characterized in that atleast one center terminal and patient terminals are disconnectablyconnected to each other via a communication line through whichcommunications of data including image data are performed,

[0047] wherein said center terminal comprises:

[0048] an audio data input means for inputting patient data with voice;and

[0049] an audio data memory for storing the patient data entered throughsaid audio data input means.

[0050] Incidentally, there is no need that the patient data is only theaudio data. It is sufficient for the fourth home care system to providedata including the audio data. As the patient data, it is acceptable toinclude character data, image data and the like other than the audiodata.

[0051] The fifth home care system according to the present invention,which attains the above-mentioned object, is characterized in that atleast one center terminal and patient terminals are disconnectablyconnected to each other via a communication line through whichcommunications of data including image data are performed,

[0052] wherein said patient terminal is provided with a roomillumination light for illuminating a room in which the patient terminalis disposed, and

[0053] wherein said center terminal is provided with a light turn-onoperating means for turning on the room illumination light installed onthe patient terminal.

[0054] In the fifth home care system according to the present invention,it is preferable that said patient terminal is provided with a lightcontrol means for controlling a light quantity and/or an illuminationangle of the room illumination light installed on the patient terminal,and

[0055] wherein said center terminal is provided with a light controloperation means for giving an instruction as to a control of a lightquantity and/or an illumination angle of the room illumination lightinstalled on the patient terminal.

[0056] The sixth home care system according to the present invention,which attains the above-mentioned object, is characterized in that atleast one center terminal and patient terminals are disconnectablyconnected to each other via a communication line through whichcommunications of data including image data are performed,

[0057] wherein said patient terminal has:

[0058] data recording means for recording data including the image datain communication;

[0059] calling party identification means for identifying, when thepatient terminal is accessed through said communication line, whether ornot a calling party is the center terminal; and

[0060] data recording control means for actuating said data recordingmeans to record the data on communication when it is discriminated bysaid calling party identification means that the calling party is thecenter terminal.

[0061] In the first to sixth home care systems according to the presentinvention, it is preferable that said center terminal has:

[0062] a plurality of sorts of communication means each for adapted toperform communications through an associated communication line; and

[0063] a communication selecting means for storing address codes eachfor identifying an associated one of the patient terminals andcommunication means adapted to perform a communication through acommunication line connected to the patient terminal in thecorresponding relation, and for selecting the communication means on thebasis of the address code of the patient.

[0064] In this case, it is preferable that said center terminal has aplurality of sorts of codecs each for serving to perform encoding anddecoding depending on an associated codec scheme among a plurality ofsorts of codec schemes, and at least single sort of codec is providedfor each of at least part of the communication means among saidplurality of sorts of communication means.

[0065] Further, in this case it is so arranged that said communicationselecting means stores the address codes and the communication means inthe corresponding relation, respectively, and in addition the addresscodes on the communication means associated with the plurality of sortsof codecs and the encoding circuits in the corresponding relation,respectively, and selects the communication means on the basis of theaddress code of the patient to perform the communication with thepatient and in addition selects, if the selected communication means isassociated with any of the plurality of sorts of codecs, the codec onthe basis of the address code of the patient.

[0066] According to the first home care system of the present invention,the patient terminal and the center terminal have urgency transmittingmeans for transmitting an urgency code and urgency receiving means forreceiving the urgency code, respectively, and further said centerterminal has urgency alarm means for informing of the fact that theurgency code has been received. This feature makes it possible for aperson in charge of the home care center to know the fact that theurgency code is transmitted, even during the conversation with otherpatient.

[0067] In the first home care system of the present invention, if it isso arranged that for example, the name of the patient is displayed, itis possible to immediately identify the patient who sent the urgencycode.

[0068] In the first home care system according to the present invention,if the system is arranged in such a manner that said patient terminalhas a predetermined urgency handler, and said urgency transmitting meanstransmits to said center terminal, in response to an operation of saidurgency handler, an urgency code representative of the most urgentsituation among a plurality of urgency codes each representative of anassociated urgency priority, it is possible to immediately make contactWith the home care center when the emergency situation occurs.

[0069] Further, in the first home care system according to the presentinvention, if the system is arranged in such a manner that said patientterminal has an urgency priority deciding means for deciding through aquestion an urgency priority of connecting said patient terminal withsaid center terminal, wherein said urgency transmitting means and saidurgency receiving means transmit and receive an urgency code accordingto the urgency priority decided by said urgency priority deciding means,respectively, and wherein said urgency alarm means informs of theurgency priority according to the received urgency code, it is possiblefor the center terminal side, for example, in a case where the urgencypriority is not so high such that the urgency handler is operated, tocompare physical conditions of the patient now on conversation with anurgency priority of the patient who sent the urgency code, therebydeciding countermeasure as to the response to the patient who sent theurgency code. In this case, if the system is arranged in such a mannerthat the center side can know not only the urgency code but also thequestion result upon receipt of it at the center side, it is possible toimmediately know physical conditions of the patient who sent the urgencycode, thereby deciding with greater precise judgement countermeasure asto the response to the patient who sent the urgency code.

[0070] Further, in the first home care system according to the presentinvention, the center terminal has an interruption permission orinhibition instructing means for instructing as to whether or not saidcenter terminal interrupts communications with the first patientterminal to permit communications with the second patient terminal whichtransmits the urgency code. This feature makes it possible, when it isdecided that the patient who sent the urgency code is to be treated witha higher priority, to immediately have a conversation with the patientof concern without a need of a procedure which will take troublesomenesssuch that after the conversation with the patient is temporarilyterminated (for example, the receiver is replaced) the operator incharge of the center makes contact with the patient who sent the urgencycode (for example, calling the patient who sent the urgency code).

[0071] Further, in the first home care system according to the presentinvention, said center terminal has an another terminal connecting meansfor connecting the patient terminal transmitted the urgency code withanother center terminal. This feature makes it possible to connect thepatient terminal transmitted the urgency code with another centerterminal depending on the situations such as the instruction of theperson in charge of the center, “busy” on another line in the centerside, and the lower or higher urgency priority represented by theurgency code transmitted, thereby responding to the patient sent theurgency code without delays.

[0072] According to the second home care system of the presentinvention, the center terminal comprises: a schedule table in whichthere are registered desired address codes (typically, telephonenumbers) among address codes each for identifying patients and desiredtimes and dates each for communication with the patient corresponding tothe associated address code; and line automatic connecting means forconnecting a line with the patient terminal associated with the addresscode corresponding to the registered time and date, at the time and dateregistered in the schedule table. This feature makes it possible toavoid such a situation that the person in charge of the center forgetsto make contact with the patient, thereby reliably and readilyimplementing the contact with the patient on schedule.

[0073] In the second home care system according to the presentinvention, the patient terminal has a vital sign sensor (e.g. atonometer, an electrocardiograph) for measuring vital signs, and a vitalsign memory for storing the vital signs measured by said vital signsensor, and said center terminal has a vital sign collection means foruploading the vital signs stored in said vital sign memory provided inthe patient terminal which has been connected with the center terminalby said line automatic connecting means. This feature makes it possibleto automatically collect and accumulate the vital sign measurement dataof the patient.

[0074] Further, in the second home care system according to the presentinvention, the schedule table registers the address codes and the timeand date, and in addition a connecting time required since the line isconnected with the patient terminal corresponding to the associatedaddress code at the registered time and date up to disconnecting theline, and said schedule registration operating means serves to registerin said schedule table the address codes and the times and dates, andthe connecting time as well; and said center terminal further comprisesa time counting means for counting the time required since said centerterminal is connected with the patient terminal by said line automaticconnecting means, and a display means for displaying a remaining timeobtained through subtracting the time elapsed measured by said timecounting means from the connecting time involved in the patient terminalconnected by said line automatic connecting means. This feature makes itpossible for the person in charge of the center to have an efficientconversation with the patient without uselessness, thereby facilitatingbehavior of the person in charge according to his schedule.

[0075] According to the third home care system of the present invention,the center terminal has a home care procedure display means fordisplaying a procedure for a home care of a patient. This feature makesit possible even for a newcomer in charge of the center to give anadequate instruction for a home care to the patient.

[0076] In the third home care system according to the present invention,the center terminal has also a care procedure altering operation meansfor altering the procedure for the home care of the patient displayed onsaid home care procedure display means. This feature makes it possiblefor the center to customize the care procedure thereby facilitatingguidance as to a way of the care suitable for each individual patient orguidance as to a way of the care according to the fashion of the center.

[0077] According to the fourth home care system of the presentinvention, the center terminal has: an audio data input means forinputting patient data with voice; and an audio data memory for storingthe patient data entered through said audio data input means. Thisfeature makes it possible to promptly input the patient data and inaddition to add to the patient data delicate nuances of the care whichwould be difficult to be expressed with only the character input.

[0078] According to the fifth home care system of the present invention,the patient terminal is provided with a room illumination light forilluminating a room in which the patient terminal is disposed, and thecenter terminal is provided with a light turn-on operating means forturning on the room illumination light installed on the patientterminal. This feature makes it possible to sufficiently observe thepatient even in a case where the illumination of a living room of thepatient is insufficient for a camera. Further, in a case where there isa need to urgently know how things stand on the patient, even if theliving room of the patient is dark, it is possible to know how thingsstand in the living room of the patient. Further, in the fifth home caresystem according to the present invention, the patient terminal isprovided with a light control means for controlling a light quantityand/or an illumination angle of the room illumination light installed onthe patient terminal, and the center terminal is provided with a lightcontrol operation means for giving an instruction as to a control of alight quantity and/or an illumination angle of the room illuminationlight installed on the patient terminal. This feature makes it possibleto more clearly grasp how things stand in the living room of thepatient.

[0079] According to the sixth home care system of the present invention,the patient terminal has: data recording means for recording dataincluding the image data in communication; calling party identificationmeans for identifying, when the patient terminal is accessed throughsaid communication line, whether or not a calling party is the centerterminal; and data recording control means for actuating said datarecording means to record the data on communication when it isdiscriminated by said calling party identification means that thecalling party is the center terminal. This feature makes it possible toperform a data recording without a necessity for a recording operationby the patient, and the patient may review the instructions given by thecare center.

[0080] By the way, according to the conventional home care system, acenter terminal and one or more patient terminals are connected throughonly one communication network. An image quality of the imagecommunication depends on capacity or efficiency of the communicationnetwork. This is the similar as to the matter of the costs (includingdevice cost, communication cost, installation cost and the like). On theother hand, clinically, there is no need to always provide the bestquality of image to all the patients. It is preferable to select theoptimum care excellent in cost performance according to a degree ofillness or the like. Further, there is a general opinion such thatcommunication networks have to be integrated and codec systems also haveto be standardized. However, in view of the fact that the home caresystem is a locally closed system and is basically of a star-shapednetwork of communication between the center terminal and the patientterminals, there is no need to hold fast on the general opinion.

[0081] In this respect, according to the present invention, adoption ofa plurality of sorts of communication means, adoption of the codecsaccording to the communication means, selection of the communicationmeans based on an address code of the patient terminal of concern, oradoption of communication selecting means for selecting the codecregarding the communication means each corresponding to the associatedone of the plurality of codecs, permits selection of the patientterminal suitable for the patient, thereby performing communicationswith the communication network and the codec scheme suitable for thepatient terminal between the center terminal and the patient terminal.Therefore, the center terminal may provide a flexible service withoutholding fast on a single communication network and codec schemes. Thus,it is possible to provide a home care system excellent in costperformance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a home caresystem according to the present invention;

[0083]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a key arrangement of an operation padinstalled at a patient terminal;

[0084]FIG. 3 is an illustration of a telephone number registration tableat a patient terminal;

[0085]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an urgency code originating program to beexecuted at a patient terminal;

[0086]FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example of transmitted data towarda home care center terminal;

[0087]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an interrupting and connecting program tobe executed at a home care center terminal;

[0088]FIG. 7 is an illustration of a telephone number and patient nameregistration table at a home care center terminal;

[0089] FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are illustrations of screens before and afterthe change over, respectively;

[0090]FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a schedulerregistration table at a home care center terminal;

[0091]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a scheduler program to perform ascheduling of communications with patients to be executed at a home carecenter terminal;

[0092]FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a care procedure program to be executedat a home care center terminal;

[0093]FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example of a care procedure checklist;

[0094]FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a patient terminal light operatingprogram to be executed at a home care center terminal;

[0095]FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a visual automatic recording program tobe executed at a patient terminal;

[0096]FIG. 15 is a video playback program to be executed at a patientterminal;

[0097]FIG. 16 is a block diagram of part of a care center terminalaccording to another embodiment different from the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, in the home care system according to the present invention; and

[0098]FIG. 17 is an illustration of a port switching table providedwithin a port switching circuit 160 shown in FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0099] Hereinafter, there will be described embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0100]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a home caresystem according to the present invention.

[0101] A home care center terminal is installed at a home care centersuch as a hospital, a door-to-door nurse station and the like. On theother hand, a patient terminal is installed at a patient's home whereina patient has, for example, a rehabilitation.

[0102] It is acceptable that there are a plurality of home care centers,but not restricted to a single center. It is assumed that each of thehome care centers (two) is provided with an associated home care centerterminal (A,B).

[0103] With respect to the patient terminals, usually, there areprovided a lot of sets corresponding to a number of patients each for apatient's home one by one. However, in the present embodiment, tosimplify the explanation, it is assumed that there are set two patientterminals A and B to homes of two patients A and B, respectively.Further, it is assumed that two patients A and B usually get guidance ofthe home care center at which the home care center terminal A isinstalled.

[0104] Two home care center terminals A and B and two patient terminalsA and B are connected to each other through ISDN lines 10. Two home carecenter terminals A and B have each the same structure. In FIG. 1, thereis shown details of the structure as to only the home care centerterminal A. Similarly, two patient terminals A and B have each the samestructure, and thus in FIG. 1, there is shown details of the structureas to only the patient terminal A.

[0105] The home care center terminal A comprises an ISDN board 11 forconnection of an ISDN line, an image/audio CODEC 12 for compressingimage data and audio data to be transmitted into ones adapted for theISDN line and for expanding received image data and audio data, atelevision monitor 13, a keyboard 14, a microphone 15 for audio datainput, a hard disk 16 for storing various kinds of programs and data,and a CPU 17 for executing a program and performing various kinds ofcontrols.

[0106] The patient terminal A comprises an ISDN board 21, an image/audioCODEC 22, a television monitor 23, a hard disk 26 and a CPU 27, anoperation pad 24 for operation by a patient, a light 25 for illuminationof a patient's living room at which the patient terminal A is installed,a sphygmomanometer * 28 and an electrocardiograph 29.

[0107] Communications through the ISDN lines 10 are controlled by theCPUs 17 and 27 through execution of communication programs stored in thehard disks 16 and 26. Since the ISDN line and the usual communicationitself using the ISDN line are well known, there will be omittedexplanations as to the ISDN line 10, the ISDN boards 11 and 21, theimage/audio CODECs 12 and 22, the communication programs and the like.

[0108]FIG. 2 is an illustration of a key arrangement of an operation padinstalled at a patient terminal.

[0109] In FIG. 2, an ellipse stands for a push button. The operation pad24 is equipped with dial keys 241 to which numerals 0-9, and marks * and# are appended, a center connecting push button 242 for connection tothe home care center A, “yes” input push button 243 a and “no” inputpush button 243 b for inputting answers “yes” and “no” to the inquiry(described later), respectively, an urgency button 244 which is to bepushed when an emergency situation occurs, and a playback push button245 which is to be pushed when it is desired to regenerate thecommunication image recorded at the patient terminal.

[0110] When making a usual telephone call to one's friends or the like,a person takes the telephone receiver (not illustrated) off the hook topush the telephone number of the destination through the dial keys 241.This permits the person have a usual telephone conversation.

[0111] A patient terminal A registers at least a telephone number of thehome care center terminal A. Of course, it is acceptable for the patientterminal A to register additionally telephone numbers and abbreviateddialing numbers of one's friends, acquaintances and the like. Here,there will be explained only the communication with the home carecenter.

[0112]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an urgency code originating program to beexecuted by the CPU 27 of the patient terminal A when the centerconnecting push button 242 shown in FIG. 2 is depressed.

[0113] When the patient A wishes to communicate with the home carecenter A, usually, it is implemented through depression of the dial keys241. However, when the patient determines it is somewhat urgent, thecenter connecting push button 242 may be depressed so as to execute theprogram shown in FIG. 4.

[0114] First, in step 4_1, the television monitor 23 displays an inquiryas to whether you get hurt. If so, the “yes” input push button 243 a onthe operation pad 24 is depressed. Thus, the process goes to step step4_2 in which the television monitor 23 displays an inquiry as to whetheryou get a bruise. If so, the “yes” input push button 243a is againdepressed. Thus, the process goes to step 4_3 in which the televisionmonitor 23 displays a table providing a corresponding relation betweennumbers and sites of the human body. An operator depresses theassociated number key of the dial keys 241. The CPU 27 determines as towhether the operator gets hurt on the head (step 4_4). When it isdetermined that the operator gets hurt on the head, it is decided thatthe urgency code to be transmitted is SOS1, and the transmitted data isgenerated (step 4_5). On the other hand, when it is determined that theoperator gets hurt on the portions other than the head, it is decidedthat the urgency code to be transmitted is SOS2, and the transmitteddata is generated (step 4_6). The transmitted data including the urgencycode is transmitted through a D-channel of the ISDN line 10 (step 4_7)to the home care center terminal A.

[0115] Specifically, it is noted that higher priority of urgency isgiven for an urgency code provided with younger number subsequent to thesymbol mark “SOS”. Hence, now to compare the urgency code SOS1 with theurgency code SOS2, the the urgency code SOS1 is of higher priority ofurgency.

[0116]FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example of transmitted data towardthe home care center terminal A.

[0117] This transmitted data include set up data SETUP to decide atransmitted protocol, a telephone number of a call originator (patientterminal A), an urgency code, and question data obtained by questions inthe program shown in FIG. 4.

[0118] Returning to FIG. 4, the explanation will be continued.

[0119] In step 4-2, if the “no” input push button 243 b is depressed,the process goes to step 4_9 in which the television monitor 23 displaysan inquiry as to whether it is a cut. If so, the “yes” input push button243 a is depressed. Then the process goes to step step 4_10 in which thetelevision monitor 23 displays the table providing a correspondingrelation between numbers and sites of the human body, in a similarfashion to that of step 4_3. Thus, the operator depresses the associatednumber key of the dial keys 241 of the operation pad 24. Thereafter, theprocess goes to step 4_4. In step 4_9, if the “no” input push button 243b is depressed, the process goes to step 4_6 in which the urgency codeSOS2 is determined and the transmitted data is generated.

[0120] In step 4_1, if the “no” input push button 243 b is depressed,the process goes to step 4_11 in which the television monitor 23displays an inquiry as to whether you have a pain in your body. If so,the “yes” input push button 243a is depressed. Then the process goes tostep 4_12 in which the television monitor 23 displays as to where youhave a pain in your body. Thus, the operator depresses the associatednumber key of the dial keys 241 of the operation pad 24. In this case,anyhow, the process goes to step 4_5 in which the urgency code SOS1 isdetermined. On the other hand, as will be described later in conjunctionwith FIG. 5, information involved in step 4_11 is used as question datawhich are transmitted together with the urgency code.

[0121] In step 4_11, if the “no” input push button 243 b is depressed,the process goes to step 4_13 in which the urgency code SOS3 isdetermined, and then the process goes to step 4_7.

[0122] Incidentally, when the urgency button 244 of the operation pad 24shown in FIG. 2 is depressed, the highest priority of urgency code SOS0is determined and immediately transmitted to the home care centerterminal A.

[0123]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an interrupting and connecting program tobe executed in the CPU 17 of the home care center terminal A.

[0124] In step 6_1, it is monitored as to whether call incoming ispresent. In case of the absence of call incoming, waiting until callincoming occurs. When call incoming occurs, the content of the D-channelof the ISDN line 10 is examined (step 6_2) to check as to whether theurgency code exists in the transmitted data (step 6_3). If no urgencycode exists, the process goes to step 6_4 in which it is examined as towhether the B-channel is now occupied. If the B-channel is not occupied,the B-channel is connected thereto (step 6_5). On the other hand, if theB-channel is occupied, a message indicating “busy” is transmitted to thepatient terminal of concern (step 6_6).

[0125] In step 6_3, when it is recognized that an urgency code ispresent in the transmitted data through the D-channel, the process goesto step 6_7 in which it is examined as to whether the B-channel is nowoccupied. If the B-channel is not occupied, the B-channel is connectedthereto (step 6_8). On the other hand, if the B-channel is occupied or“busy”, the process goes to step 6_9 in which a patient's telephonenumber, a urgency priority and question data, which are transmitted viathe D-channel, are received (refer to FIG. 5). In step 6_10, a patientname registration table is referred to for the patient's telephonenumber to identify the patient's name of concern.

[0126]FIG. 7 is an illustration of a telephone number and patient nameregistration table at the home care center terminal A.

[0127] In this table, there are registered a patient name and atelephone number of the patient terminal set to the patient's home intheir corresponding relation.

[0128] In step 6_10 of the program shown in FIG. 6, this registrationtable is referred to so as to identify the patient who transmitted theurgency code.

[0129] In step 6_11, a screen now on “busy” is interrupted to be changedover to a display screen for data sent out from the patient terminaltransmitted the urgency code. In step 6_12, there is added on thedisplay screen a question as to whether the interruption of this patientis allowed. In step 6_13, there is added on the display screen aquestion as to whether this patient terminal is connected to anotherhome care center terminal.

[0130] FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are illustrations of screens before and afterthe change over, respectively;

[0131] It is assumed that a patient A transmits the urgency code in themiddle of the guidance on the home care of the patient B through aconversation with a patient B (FIG. 8(A)). In this case, the displayscreen shown in FIG. 8(A) is changed over to the display screen shown inFIG. 8(B) on which displayed are a massage (FIG. 5) from the patient Areceived through the D-channel, a question as to whether an interruptionof the patient A is allowed, and a question as to whether the patientterminal A is connected to another home care center terminal B.

[0132] The person in charge of the care center confirms this displayinto comparison with the urgency priority of the patient B now ontalking to give an instruction through the keyboard 14 (FIG. 1) as towhether an interruption of the patient A is allowed (step 6_17). In acase where an interruption of the patient A is allowed, an interruptioninstruction is issued to a switching system (step 6_18) so that theperson in charge of the care center starts the conversation with thepatient A. On the other hand, when it is instructed that an interruptionof the patient A is allowed and the patient terminal A is to beconnected to another home care center terminal B (step 6_19), there willbe issued to the switching system such an instruction that the patientterminal A is connected to another home care center terminal B (step6_20). Thus, the display screen returns to the screen (FIG. 8(A)) for aconversation with the patient B.

[0133] When such an instruction that there is no need to connect thepatient terminal A to even another home care center terminal B isissued, a message such that “please call again later” is transmitted tothe patient terminal A, and then the conversation with the patient B maybe resumed.

[0134]FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example of a schedulerregistration table at the home care center terminal A.

[0135] In the hard disk 16 of the home care center terminal A, there isprepared a scheduler registration table as shown in FIG. 9. A person incharge in the center writes necessary matters into the table through anoperation of the keyboard 14.

[0136] According to the example shown in FIG. 9, the following mattersare written into the table:

[0137] (1) To automatically call Mr. Taro Fujitsu, TELEPHONE:078-936-1221, at 13:00, the first of August, 1994, to speak fiftyminutes up to 13:50 to give guidance in the home care and the like; and

[0138] (2) To automatically call Mrs. Hanako Fujitsu, TELEPHONE:044-777-1111, at 14:00, the first of August, 1994, to load data as toblood pressure and electrocardiogram on the home care center terminalside.

[0139]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a scheduler program to perform ascheduling of communications with patients, which program is stored inthe hard disk of the home care center terminal.

[0140] This program starts in accordance with an instruction through thekeyboard 14 by an person in charge in the care center. Incidentally, itis assumed that the patient terminals A and B are each in a state thatthe power is always kept on turn-on.

[0141] In step 10_1, know the present time and date referring to a timer(not illustrated) which is incorporated into the home care centerterminal A. In step 10_2, the reservation date and the starting time onthe scheduler registration table as shown in FIG. 9 are referred to. Instep 10_3, it is judged as to whether the present time and datecoincides with the reservation date and the starting time on thescheduler registration table. If the reservation date and the startingtime appearing at any column on the scheduler registration table doesnot coincide with the present time and date, the process goes to step10_4 in which when termination instruction is issued from the center,the routine is terminated. On the other hand, if no terminationinstruction is issued from the center, the program returns to step 10_1in which the present time and date are again referred to.

[0142] In step 10_3, when the reservation date and the starting timeappearing at any column in the scheduler registration table coincideswith the present time and date, the process goes to step 10_5 in whichan item of a communication mode of the associated patient terminal isreferred to. In step 10_6, it is judged as to whether the communicationmode is concerned with an automatic communication or an automaticdownload. If it is not concerned with the automatic communication, inother words, it is concerned with the automatic download, the processgoes to step 10_7 in which the associated patient terminal is accessedto download the vital signs, that is, in this case, blood pressure andelectrocardiogram, on the home care center terminal A (step 10_8). Thevital signs thus downloaded are filed on the patient data in the harddisk 16 of the home care center terminal A.

[0143] Incidentally, it is assumed that in the patient terminal side,prior to the time of such download, the patient's blood pressure andelectrocardiogram are measured using a tonometer 28 and anelectrocardiograph 29 (FIG. 1) and those data are stored in the patientterminal.

[0144] After the download of the vital signs is executed in step 10_8,the process returns to step 10_1 in which the present time and date arereferred to.

[0145] In step 10_6, when it is decided that the communication mode isconcerned with the automatic communication, the process goes to step10_9 in which the associated patient terminal is accessed. In step10_10, the present time and date are again referred to, and theremaining time, which is generated through the subtraction of thecurrent time from the termination time on the associated column in thescheduler registration table, is displayed on the screen. Further, thepatient's image now on conversation is also simultaneously displayed onthe screen. It is possible for the person in charge of the center toadditionally write the condition of the patient and the like into thepatient data file through an operation of the keyboard 14 while havingthe conversation with the patient. The patient data file may store alsoaudio data. Thus, it is possible to store in the patient data file thevoice of the person in charge as it is using the microphone 15. In thismanner, since the patient data file may store audio data, it is possibleto record as the patient data also the fine nuances of care such that itwould be difficult to express meaning in writing.

[0146] In step 10_12, it is judged as to whether the present time anddate coincides with the reservation date and the termination time. Up tothe coincidence the present time and date is referred to (step 10_10),and the remaining time is displayed (step 10_11). When the coincidenceoccurs, the process goes to step 10_13 in which access to the patient isreleased.

[0147] In this manner, a systematic access to the patient is carriedout.

[0148]FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a care procedure program to be executedat a home care center terminal. This program starts through an operationof the keyboard 14 by an operator in charge of the center.

[0149] When the program starts through an operation of the keyboard 14by the operator in charge and the patient is specified, first, in step11_1, the television monitor 13 displays a question as to which one isperformed between “a care procedure check” and “a care procedurecustomizing”.

[0150] When the operator in charge answers to the question through anoperation of the keyboard, in step 11_2, it is judged as to which one isto be performed between “a care procedure check” and “a care procedurecustomizing”. In case of not “a care procedure check”, in other words,in a case where “a care procedure customizing” is to be carried out, theprocess goes to in step 11_3 in which the television monitor 13 displaysitems of the present check list of the associated patient.

[0151]FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example of a care procedure checklist.

[0152] In the care procedure check list, there are recorded items“question”, “rehabilitation”, and “advice”, which have been created tomeet the care of the associated patient, and their contents.

[0153] In step 11_3, the television monitor 13 displays theabove-mentioned items of the care procedure check list. In step 11_4,the item which is intended to be altered is selected through anoperation of the keyboard. In step 11_5, the content of the item thusselected is displayed on the television monitor 13.

[0154] Through the keyboard 14, there is issued an instruction as to theselection among an addition of the listed content, a change of thelisted content and an alteration of the order of the list involved inthe content, and in addition through an operation of the keyboard, thereis inputted an added content or a changed content, otherwise, there isissued an instruction as to the alteration of the order of the list(step 11_6 to step 11_11). The routine is terminated when an instructionof the alteration termination of the check list is made through thekeyboard (step 11_12), otherwise a selection of an altered item is againcarried out.

[0155] In step 11_2, when it is decided that the instruction issued fromthe person in charge is involved in the care procedure check, thetelevision monitor 13 displays the respective items in the careprocedure check list as shown in FIG. 12 and the associated contents, sothat the operator in charge checks the contents of the items one by onefor each item (step 11_13, 11_14). When the check on a certain item isterminated (it is inputted through an operation of the keyboard), thesubsequent item is displayed. When the check on the whole items isterminated, running of this care procedure check program is terminated.

[0156] The care procedure check program thus created and/or altered isreferred to during giving guidance in the care of the associated patientthrough the conversation with the patient. Consequently, it is possibleeven for a newcomer of person in charge to give a sufficient guidance inthe care.

[0157]FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a patient terminal light operatingprogram to be executed at the home care center terminal.

[0158] This program starts through an operation of the keyboard 14 bythe person in charge of the center in such a situation that for example,even if the person in charge of the center calls the patient of concernover and over, the patient of concern does not come on the phone, andalso even if the person in charge of the center wishes to know throughthe television monitor 13 how things stand in his room, it is too darkto know how things stand in his room.

[0159] In step 13_1, the television monitor 13 displays a list ofoperational contents, for example, the operational contents of the light25 (FIG. 1) of the patient terminal, such as a turn-on, a turn-off, aright rotation (turning the light to the right), a left rotation(turning the light to the left), a light quantity increment and a lightquantity decrement. A desired one is optionally selected among thoseoperational contents through an operation of the keyboard. When thedesired one is selected, the D-channel of the ISDN line 10 is connectedto transmit a light operation command according to the selectedoperational content. The associated patient terminal receives the lightoperation command, so that the light 25 is controlled in accordance withthe received command. When the light operation is terminated, the lineof the D-channel is released to terminate this routine (step 13_4,13_5). In a case where a further operation is desired, the processreturns to step 13_1.

[0160] In this manner, the television monitor 13 in the care center sidedisplays as to how things stand in the room of patient of concern. Thus,it is possible to know how things stand in his room, thereby confirmingthe presence or absence of occurrence of an unusual situation.

[0161]FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a visual automatic recording program tobe executed at a patient terminal.

[0162] In step 14_1, it is decided as to whether call incoming occurs.If no call incoming occurs, a standby is held until call incomingoccurs. When call incoming occurs, the process goes to step 14_2 inwhich a telephone number of a party in call originating is investigatedfrom data transmitted through the D-channel to refer to a telephonenumber registration table (FIG. 3) (step 14_3). In step 14_4, it ischecked as to whether the party in call originating is a home carecenter A in charge of the associated patient. When it is not the homecare center A in charge, a standby is held until the next call incomingoccurs. When it is the home care center A in charge, a recording ofimages and speeches transmitted from the home care center A in charge isinitiated (step 14_5). The images and speeches are recorded on the harddisk until the communication with the home care center A in charge isterminated (step 14_6 to 14_8).

[0163] In this manner, when called up from the home care center A incharge, the contents of the communication are automatically recorded.Thus, it is possible for the patient to review the instruction from thecare center.

[0164]FIG. 15 is a video playback program to be executed at a patientterminal.

[0165] When the playback push button 245 on the operation pad 24 (FIG.2) is depressed, this program starts. In step 15_1, it is determined asto whether a recorded image is present. When a recorded image is absent,the routine is terminated. When a recorded image is present, aregeneration of the image is initiated (step 15_2) so that the visualfile is sequentially read to display the images on the televisionmonitor 23 (step 15_3, 15_4).

[0166] Incidentally, the above-mentioned embodiment is involved in theuse of the ISDN line. However, the home care system of the presentinvention is not restricted to one involved in the use of the ISDN line.It is acceptable, of course, to use a CATV, radio and the like. Further,as will be described hereinafter, it is also acceptable to optionallyselect anyone of a plurality of communication lines in accordance with apatient terminal into the use.

[0167]FIG. 16 is a block diagram of part of a care center terminalaccording to another embodiment different from the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, in the home care system according to the present invention.

[0168] In FIG. 16, there is shown a data input and output unit 100corresponding to the ISDN board 11 and the image/audio CODEC 12 in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0169] The data input and output unit 100 constituting a center terminalis connected to a plurality of kinds of communication networks, that is,an ISDN, a public communication network (analog telephone line network),a CATV network, and a B-ISDN. In this system, connected to the ISDN istwo patient terminals A1 and A2; to the public communication network istwo patient terminals B1 and B2; to the CATV network is a patientterminal C; and to the B-ISDN is a patient terminal D, respectively. Thedata input and output unit 100 is provided with communication ports 110,120, 130 and 140 which are connected to the ISDN, the publiccommunication network, the CATV network and the T-ISDN, respectively.Communication means 111, 121, 131 and 141, which constitute parts of thecommunication ports 110, 120, 130 and 140, respectively, carry each acommunication through the associated communication network. Thecommunication port 110 is provided with an ISDN line-use-MPEG codec 112which serves to perform coding (including decoding) on the basis of theMPEG standard, and an ISDN line-use-H261 codec 113 which serves toperform encoding and decoding on the basis of the H261 standard.

[0170] The communication port 120 is provided with a publiccommunication line-use-APEX codec 122 which serves to perform encodingand decoding on the basis of the APEX standard (not InternationalStandard, but a private standard: e.g. MCMJAPAN company standard) and apublic communication line-use-H261 codec 123 which serves to performencoding and decoding on the basis of the H261 standard. Thecommunication ports 130 and 140 are provided with a CATV line-use-MPEGcodec 132 which serves to perform encoding and decoding on the basis ofthe MPEG standard and a B-ISDN line-use-MPEG codec 142 which serves toperform encoding and decoding on the basis of the MPEG standard,respectively.

[0171] The communication port 110 is provided with a switch circuit 114for selectively switchingly connecting the MPEG codec 112 and the H261codec 113 to the the communication means 111. The communication port 120is provided with a switch circuit 124 for selectively switchinglyconnecting the APEX codec 122 and the H261 codec 123 to the thecommunication means 121. There is provided a switch circuit 150 betweeneach of the communication ports 110, 120, 130 and 140 and each of theCPU 17 and the television monitor 13 (FIG. 1). Data communication isperformed through the switch circuit 150 between each of the ports 110,120, 130 and 140 and the CPU 17. The respective ports 110, 120, 130 and140 may transmit data through the switch circuit 150 to the televisionmonitor 13.

[0172] The data input and output unit 100 further comprises a portswitching circuit 160 having a port switching table.

[0173]FIG. 17 is an illustration of a port switching table providedwithin the port switching circuit 160.

[0174] The port switching table shows telephone numbers of patientterminals A1, A2, B1, B2, C and D, codec schemes for the patientterminals A1, A2, B1, B2, C and D, and sort of communication lines towhich the patient terminals A1, A2, B1, B2, C and D are connected,respectively, in their corresponding relation. In the table, for thepurpose of simplification, the telephone numbers of patient terminalsA1, A2, B1, B2, C and D are denoted by the same reference marks as thoseof the patient terminals.

[0175] When the center terminal side calls the patient terminal, thetelephone number of the patient terminal is inputted from CPU 17 of thecenter terminal to the port switching circuit 160. Thus the portswitching circuit 160 refers to the port switching table shown in FIG.17 to control the switch circuit 150 in such a manner that thecommunication port (communication means) suitable for the patientterminal to be called is selected. When the communication ports 110 or120 is selected, the port switching circuit 160 also refers to the portswitching table shown in FIG. 17 to control the switch circuits 114 or124 in such a manner that the codec suitable for the patient terminal tobe called is selected. In this manner, data communication is performedbetween the center terminal and the patient terminal through thecommunication means and the codec which are suitable for the patientterminal as the destination.

[0176] On the other hand, when the patient terminal side is on thephone, as seen from FIG. 5, the telephone number of the call originator(patient terminal) is first transmitted. Therefore, upon receipt of thetelephone number, the communication means passes the received telephonenumber to the port switching circuit 160. Thus, the port switchingcircuit 160 controls necessary ones among the switch circuits 150, 114and 124 in a similar fashion to that of a case where the center terminalmakes a telephone for the patient terminal.

[0177] Incidentally, according to the embodiment, the communication port130 has the MPEG codec 132. However, in a case where the communicationis performed with analog NTSC signals which are not encoded, the MPEGcodec 132 can be omitted. Further, when the signals encoded according tothe MPEG codec scheme and the NTSC signals not encoded are received andtransmitted, it may be so arranged that the MPEG codec 132 is providedand when the communication by the NTSC signals is performed, the MPEGcodec 132 is bypassed.

[0178] Further, according to the explanation as to FIGS. 16 and 17, thedata input and output unit 100 of the center terminal is provided withthe port switching circuit 160. However, it is noted that the portswitching circuit 160 may be substituted by a program executed by theCPU 17 (FIG. 1) and the switching control signals for the switchcircuits 150, 114 and 124 are supplied to the data input and output unit100.

[0179] As described above, the home care system according to the presentinvention and further center terminals and patient terminals, whichconstitute such a home care system, takes into consideration theapplication of the system and a facility of the use of the terminals.Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide asystem which is excellent in operational efficiency and is effective fora home care.

[0180] The present invention is not limited to the particularembodiments described above. Various changes and modifications may bemade within the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A home care system in which at least one centerterminal and patient terminals are disconnectably connected to eachother via a communication line through which communications of dataincluding image data are performed, wherein said patient terminal isprovided with a room illumination light for illuminating a room in whichthe patient terminal is disposed, and wherein said center terminal isprovided with a light turn-on operating means for turning on the roomillumination light installed on the patient terminal.
 2. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said patient terminal is provided with alight control means for controlling a light quantity and/or anillumination angle of the room illumination light installed on thepatient terminal, and wherein said center terminal is provided with alight control operation means for giving an instruction as to a controlof a light quantity and/or an illumination angle of the roomillumination light installed on the patient terminal.